Cop injured after stolen truck rams police vehicle

The driver of a stolen pick-up struck two police vehicles, another vehicle and a fence before Steinbach RCMP were able to make an arrest. The incident began at 8:25 a.m. on Thursday, when police received a report that a truck had just been stolen on Brandt Street. Officers on patrol spotted the stolen vehicle driving in Steinbach and initiated a traffic stop.

RCMP HANDOUT Police released this photo of the stolen truck contained against the fence by an RCMP vehicle.

The driver fled, driving onto a dead-end street.

In a Friday release police said they contained the area. “However the driver rammed and pushed a police vehicle out of the way,” police said. “A second police vehicle attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, and the suspect struck that police vehicle and then collided with a fence.” The driver and passenger were arrested on the scene.

One officer was injured and taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

The driver, who was identified as James Friesen, 39, faces five charges of mischief over £5,000, assault on a peace officer with a weapon, assault on a peace officer causing bodily harm, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime and vehicle theft.

He was remanded into custody, while the passenger was released with no charges.